Parents:

The parking situation at Jefferson is getting worse. People have a total disregard for other people. People have a total disregard for child safety. People have a total disregard for city ordinances and traffic rules.

First and foremost is child safety. Too many parents are walking their children across the street from their cars. Children should cross the street at the crosswalk. Yes, it is a few steps farther and possibly out of the way, but the children learn an important lesson and are considerably safer. This happens before and after school and is an accident waiting to happen. Please, cross at the crosswalk.

Secondly, some people have a disregard for my staff. They are outside for your child's safety. They control access to the parking lot after school. Parents are not to be in this parking lot. This parking lot is for our bus pick up and drop off, as well as staff parking. Handicap parking is available in this lot, but your sticker must be showing. These teachers are volunteering to help provide a safe environment for your children. Show them some respect, not try to run them down or back over them. They are not there to hassle you, so please, do not give them a hassle.

Thirdly, consider this your warning. To alleviate congestion before and after school, the Sterling Police Department will be patrolling and issuing $20 citations for those who are parked wrong and not following signs and stripes. Double and triple parking is not allowed. Parking in a no parking zone (the yellow stripe) is not permitted. Leaving an unattended car in front of the school is a violation and subject to a ticket.

It is tough trying to make parents feel welcome at Jefferson and still maintain a safe environment for our children. Parents have accepted the front door buzzer and understand it is necessary to safeguard your children. At this point in the school year, our children know where they are to be. They can get there on their own. Some of our morning congestion comes from parents walking their children into the building. Say goodbye in the car or at the front door. If it is necessary to be in the building, please use the parking lot across the street. Make sure you sign in, in the office. If you are not wearing a sign in ID you will be asked to leave.

Finally, fall is here and winter is rapidly approaching, so are the blustery winds and low temperatures. Please dress your child accordingly. We remain outside unless the temperature is below 15 degrees. Winter coats, hats, and mittens are a must.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at Jefferson School (625-6402). If I am not available, leave a message and I will return your call. Thank you.

Ron Rick, Princi